The Slow Life– is a lifestyle where you create more meaningful moments in your life where your values and passions are elevated in your daily routines.

In 2021 and 2022, my life was not mine. I was being pulled from all directions, and there were no real plans on how I wanted to do life, I worked from 7 am to 9 pm. My health was diminishing. At that point, I was just merely existing trying to do it all. It was Aug 2022 when things began to shift. I was headed into the 4th quarter of business and had plans to end it with a bang. There was a still moment when I heard God tell me to close the bookstore. A peace came over me and immediately life and my health changed. I entered a transitional stage where I was forced to be still, thus me exploring the slow life and all that it has to offer.

At first, I was forced to be still and took advantage of the moments when I could cook healthier, vibrant meals, and enjoy them on the balcony while the sun was shining and my pup at my feet. The moments when I could create without the stress, I created for the process and not for the outcome. I did this from October-December of 2022, the forced stillness, the forced slow life and the changes were powerful that I no longer wanted to be forced but to embrace it. So I adopted the slow life.

While sitting in the bedroom listening to a church sermon, I heard God tell me to “make room” and It was followed up by “just watch”. “Make room” was first and I knew this had to be done before I could see God move in a way that I so needed and wanted. So I spent 10 days making room mentally, emotionally, and physically.

One thing about the slow life is that you must do less and prioritize what needs to be done so that you can be your best self. So I began with cleaning and organizing my living room and dining room which became a madhouse. I work and create from home and it just got out of hand. I have this attachment to maintaining my full-time entrepreneur creative life and my space was not conducive to flourishing and thriving, so I had to make room. Next, I had to prioritize things. I reflected on my career as a teacher where everything was planned out with deadlines, objectives, and more, and I thrived in that so I took those same principles and applied them to my life. I began learning and using Notion, a planner and productivity app. It has been mindblowing. I also started the 75 Hard Challenge but modified it, read about it here.

I am still in the process of making room and am excited to see what will happen.

Let’s dig deeper into the slow life.

Embracing the Slow Life Will Change Your Life

Embracing the slow life can have a profoundly positive impact on your life. It can help you to become more mindful and intentional in the way you live, giving you more time to focus on what is important to you. By slowing down and taking the time to appreciate the little moments in life, you can create a more meaningful and fulfilling life. You may find yourself more relaxed, more connected to nature, and more aware of your relationships with those around you. You will also have more time to do the things that make you truly happy, whether it be spending time with friends and family, enjoying hobbies, or taking a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of life. The slow life can be an incredibly rewarding experience, allowing you to live life to the fullest.

3 Things That Happen When You Embrace the Slow Life

Your Body Will Thank You

• If you are not listening to your body it can lead to a variety of issues. Ignoring your body’s signals can cause physical and mental health problems, such as fatigue, headaches, digestive issues, and depression. If you’re feeling out of sorts and not sure why, try to pay attention to your body’s needs and signals. This could include getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and reducing stress. Taking the time to listen to your body can help you stay healthy and live your best life.
  • Beginning in January 2022, my immune system began to crash. I caught Covid, I threw out my back and dealt with Sciatic Pain, and my digestive system went berzerk. I drank Alka-Seltzer and Pepto Bismal, chewed on Tums, and more all day every day. I felt sick every time I ate something. Once I had the peace to let go of the store, I didn’t drink Alka-Seltzer or the other things ever since. I also don’t have any back pain. It is so wild how your body will respond to things and you have no clue it is happening until you have the relief.

You Will Hear God’s Voice

• Embracing the slow life and being still is one of the most important ways to hear from God. When we take the time to be still and quiet our minds and hearts, we are able to create a space to listen. It allows us to focus our attention away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and instead toward God. As we focus on Him, we open our hearts and minds to receive the guidance and wisdom that He offers. It is in these moments of stillness that we can better sense His presence and His voice.
  • I had all these questions and was demanding that God hear from me and was waiting for His response. God said, “I am speaking, I do hear you, you are just too busy for me.” God wanted me to hear Him so He removed things that hindered and hurt me. Ever since I have been hearing God so much more clearly. The slow life tells you to prioritize things you value and not to rush it, so I made time for God. I made time, made room to talk one on one, study His word, and be in His presence. I started going to church, listening to sermons and prayers, and it has made life so much more beautiful

It Allows Us To Not Take Time and Moments for Granted

• Living in the present moment can help us to make the most of our time and to cherish every moment. It can help us to appreciate the beauty of life, to savor the little moments, and to focus on what matters. By embracing the slow life, we can become mindful of our thoughts, feelings, and actions, allowing us to take full advantage of our time and to make the most of every day. It can help us to be more productive and to live in harmony with ourselves, others, and the world around us.
  • I have always been a lover of time, knowing that you cannot get that time back. I listened to a sermon where he said he had to be cognizant of what he makes himself available for because when he does that, he makes himself unavailable for other things. The slow life allows you to see moments in advance, you do not make rash decisions, or over-commit because you value time and the people in it. So much time had passed the past two years so quickly and while I had great moments, I was on autopilot and missed so many moments that would have been so meaningful for me.

My Plea To You

Life is indeed short and we want our time on this earth to matter. Intentionally curate your life to align with the values you have in your life. Imagine you work in an art gallery but that gallery shows proud moments in your life, and you are the curator, what would be on those walls?

Download the Phone Wallpapers to Remind You Of living the Slow Life with Intentionality.

Stay tuned for more blogs in this series.

Peace and Blessings